The following are continued questions patients may have about ketamine infusion therapy.
What should I eat or drink afterward to help with my post-infusion recovery?
Hydration with water is extremely important post-infusion. Some people have found that a packet of a Vitamin C supplement helps them recover. Others have found protein shakes post-infusion helpful.
What if I feel nauseous post-infusion?
Ginger capsules or Dramamine can help with post infusion nausea. Your provider can also give you a prescription for anti-nausea medications.
What should I do if I feel constipated?
Ketamine, along with other medications that you may take, can cause constipation. It is extremely important to hydrate well between infusions. Your ketamine provider can also prescribe other medications to help. If you are still having issues with constipation and have not gone in a few days, reach out to your provider, as you do not want to become impacted. If you have not gone in a number of days and begin to get severe stomach pain, go to the ER if you cannot get things moving by yourself. Always keep in contact with your provider and let them know what is going on.
When can I drive?
Similar to a minor surgical procedure where you are receiving small amounts of anesthesia, like a colonoscopy, you will still have residual effects of the medications given to you even after you are awake and able to walk around. Because of this, do not plan to drive for a minimum of 12 hours after your infusion.
Is ketamine safe?
Ketamine is a very safe medication. During your infusion, a CRNA or nurse will be present and monitoring you the entire time. Our ketamine providers are board certified with expertise in both ketamine and other anesthetic medications and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
What are the side effects of ketamine?
Ketamine is a very safe medication but side effects can still occur. There are no known long-term side effects associated with ketamine with the relatively low doses used to treat mental health.
Common side effects include:
Fatigue; nausea and vomiting; increased heart rate; increased blood pressure; increased salivation; lightheadedness or dizziness
Rare side effects include:
Headaches; elevated liver enzymes; worsening of interstitial cystitis/bladder problems; worsening of bipolar symptoms